Malibu residents in the Franklin and Palisades Fire burn areas are still under an Evacuation Warning that started Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m., as heavy rain and potential mud and debris flows are forecast through Saturday night, Dec. 27.

Flash Flood Warning issues Wednesday, Dec. 24 and severe thunderstorm warning thru 8:30 a.m. for multiple areas including Malibu. Evacuation Warning for Palisades & Franklin burn areas — potential mud/debris flows. Topanga & Malibu Canyons are CLOSED. Rainsford Place — CLOSED at Arizona crossing. Bonsall Drive — CLOSED at Arizona crossing. Minor flooding on PCH. Expect temporary road or lane closures for debris removal.

According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rainfall is expected late Tuesday night and Wednesday nights, with totals ranging from 4–8 inches along the coast and valleys and 6–12 inches in the mountains and foothills. A Flood Watch is in effect Tuesday through Wednesday, and dangerous ocean conditions are anticipated along the Malibu coastline.

Evacuation Preparations

Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to evacuate early if additional time is needed. Los Angeles County Sheriff’sDeputies will conduct in-person notifications with flyers at homes in high-risk zones.

Debris Flow Risk

LA County Public Works has issued a Phase 2 debris flow forecast — indicating moderate to heavy mud and debris flows — for the Franklin and Palisades burn areas from Tuesday at 11 a.m. through Thursday, Dec. 25, at 11 p.m. Even rainfall as low as 0.50 inches per hour can trigger debris flows in burned canyons. Residents should prepare for mudslides, rocks, water on roads, and possible power and traffic signal outages. Malfunctioning signals should be treated as all-way stops under California law.

Public Works Response

City Public Works crews will patrol roads, clear drainage, pre-place heavy equipment and K-rails, and deploy backup generators as needed. Residents are asked to stay alert for work crews and emergency vehicles.

Sandbag Distribution

LA County Fire Stations and select locations will provide sandbags:

Camp 13, 1252 Encinal Canyon Road — sand & bags
Fire Station 70, 3970 Carbon Canyon Road — sand & bags
Zuma Beach Main Entrance, 3000 PCH — sand & bags
Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way — filled sandbags available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Apr. 15

Residents are reminded not to remove sand from beaches, as it is prohibited and harmful to the ecosystem.

Additional Resources

Evacuation maps: Protect.Genasys.com
Sandbags: dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags
Emergency alerts: ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/
Road conditions: quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Residents are urged to monitor weather updates closely, follow evacuation instructions, and exercise caution in all affected areas.

UPDATE 12/24, 7:30AM: Flash Flood Warning thru 12PM, Severe Thunderstorm Warning thru 8:30 AM for multiple areas including Malibu. Evacuation Warning for Palisades & Franklin burn areas – potential mud/debris flows.

Topanga & Malibu Canyons CLOSED. Rainsford Place- CLOSED at… pic.twitter.com/BD7UyFsTHX
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) December 24, 2025

STORM PREPARATIONS – SANDBAG INFO
With heavy rain forecast this week, residents—especially those near canyons and burn areas—are encouraged to prepare now. Sandbags can help reduce flooding and debris impacts around homes and driveways.

Sandbag Locations:
All LA County Fire… pic.twitter.com/YgN6WJAtIS
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) December 24, 2025

The Malibu Times

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